Ahimsa Times 165, 2014-05

Posted: 02.05.2014Updated on: 30.07.2015

Ahimsa Times

FORTHCOMING FESTIVAL - AKSHAYA TRITIYA

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a holy day for Hindus and Jains. It falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of Vaishakha.Accroding to Hindu mythology, it is an auspicious day of the birthday of Lord Parasurama who is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began to write Mahabharata. The meaning of the word Akshaya is infinite that which never recede. In Jain and Hindu calendars, some days of the month are absent in counting and some days (tithi in lunar calendars) come extra, but Akshay tritiya is one day which is never "absent" from the lunar calendar.

The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that if you do charity on this day you will be blessed. On Akshay Tritiya, Mrutika worshiped.The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures. The legend is that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya continues to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, new ventures, like starting a business, construction, etc. is performed on Akshaya Tritiya. Akshaya Tritiya is also called Navanna Parvam. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini star Monday is considered more auspicious.

Religious Significance in Jainism - Followers of the Jain religion consider Akshaya Tritiiya to be a holy and supremely auspicious day. It is associated with Lord Adinatha, also known as Rishabhadeva, first of the twenty-four Tīrthankaras. On this day people who observe the year-long alternative day fasting known as Varshi-tap finish their Tapasya by doing parana by drinking sugarcane juice. The fay of Akshaya Tritiya is worshiped and said to be auspicious in Jainism because it is said to have established the very first "ahara charya": a methodology to prepare and serve food to Jain monks. Lord Rishabhadeva denounced the worldly pleasures after dividing his vast kingdom amongst his 101 sons, prominent of whom are Gommateshvara Bahubali (whose world's tallest monolithic statue stands at Shravanbelgola and Chakravarti Bharata; it is known today as "Bharat").

Lord Rishabhadeva meditated without any food and water for six months and after that set out to accept food. He was the first monk of this era. Jain monks do not own anything. They do not even cook food for themselves. When hungry or thirsty, (maximum once in a day), they set out to accept ahara. They do not ask for it and accept where it is offered. Tirthankara Rishabhadeva went to people to accept food. However, the people of that time did not know anything about the lives and disciplines of monks, as he was the first monk of this era. The people of Ayodhya offered him gold, jewellery, gemstones, elephants, horses, expensive garments and even their daughters to honour their beloved king. But Rishabhadeva was not in search of these things. He sought only a morsel of food, but nobody offered it to him. Nobody understood that their king was looking for food to ensure that the monks who would come after him get food and water in the purest form needed to lead an ascetic life. As there was no choice, he had to fast for one year until King Shreyansa understood his need due to his "purva-bhava-smarana". Shreyansa Kumar offered him sugarcane juice and thus Rishabhadeva ended his fast. This was on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. Hence, sugarcane juice is considered by Jains to be one of the best offerings.

It is further believed that religious gifts bestowed on Akshaya Tritiya become inexhaustible. Jains today observe a fast to commemorate their first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva on Akshaya Tritiya and end their fast with sugarcane juice. In Hastinapur, there is a fair held on Akshaya Tritiya. Jains arrive from all over India in large numbers to end their fasts. The ritual ending of a fast by Jains is called parana.

Works recommended and prohibited during Akshay Tritiya - Being Yugadi Tithi, it is most beneficial for performing meritoriousdeeds such as recitations, penance, donations, ritual bathing, sacrifices, burnt oblations to fire. But initiation / conducting of activities like wearing sacred thread, ending of fast, house construction and entering thereof, traveling and plantation is prohibited in certain communities, while most look forward to start/restart relationships, purchases and commitments on this auspicious day. To some, it is beneficial for spiritual and not worldly activities. Worldly activities can be initiated during currency of this Tithi, however, aspirants must ensure that duration is not sullied by concurrence of malefic times observed according to the Hindu electional principles, and the moments are favourable to the doer by transits of the planets and the like. Aspirants are cautioned against using this Tithi blindly for initiating and conducting all types of life activities. Auspiciousness of the Tithis for specific activity depends upon simultaneous presence of Panchangam Shuddhi, Muhurt Yogas and host of other elements of Hindu electional astrology.

Starting a new activity or buying valuables on Akshaya Tritiya is considered to bring luck and success. The religious merit that is acquired by giving gifts on this day is considered inexhaustible. Many buy new gold jewelry on Akshaya Tritiya.

MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS

Mumbai, 14th April, The Mahaveer Jayanti celebration of 2014 atAzad Maidan, Mumbaiunder the auspicious blessings of Maharaj Shri Nayanpadamsagarji, the Founderof JIO & JITO organisationswill be remembered for several years to come. This celebrations were organisedby JIO under the direction of Revered Saint Shir Nayanpdamsagarji at Azad Maidan. Thousand of devotees participated in the event with lamp (diya) in their hand. The Sunday evening scene of Mahavir Swami Aarti at Azad Maidan was breathtaking. The record presence of devotees immersed the entire areain consecratedatmosphere. Thedevotionalmusic chanting aboutthe life of Bhagwan Mahaveer left everyone amazed with divine feelings. Addressing the the record number of devotees, Naypadmasagarji Maharajsaheb explained the relevance of Mahavira and his philosophy. He said "AHIMSA” is the need of the today’s world. We all should imbibe and inculcate in our children this vibrant message of Mahaveer Swami. According to the researchers in Chicago, increasing violence, rape cases, social imbalance and dissatisfaction and increasing lawlessness are due to the slaughtering of animals and the emission of foul gases. These are the major reasons for human miseries. He advised everyone to restrain from using foul languagein spite of adverse circumstances and distance from violence in any form.Over Nine Lakh sweet packets were distributed to all and everyone present at the end of the programme.

BHAGWAN MAHAVIRA’S PHILOSOPHY APPLICABLE TO THE MODERN WORLD - PRANAB MUKHERJEE

New Delhi, 11th April 2014: President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing a seminar organised by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti in the auspicious presence of Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni on the occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti in Rahtrapati Bhawan said Mahavir philosophy and teachings are more relevant today.

The three A’s of Ahimsa, Anekanta and Aparigraha of Bhagwan Mahavira’s principles can provide answers to many modern day problems.President said that the universal truth of Bhagwan Mahavira’s philosophy and teaching make them equally applicable to the modern world. For contemporary problems like erosion of environment and natural resources, violence through war and terrorism, religious intolerance, and economic exploitation of poor, answers could be found in his teachings. Bhagwan Mahavira’s doctrines of Anekant and Ahimsa are a meaningful approach to address this growing crisis. He further stated that Bhagwan Mahavira’s teachings are in consonance with the need to mitigate economic disparity. President said that in his life time Bhagwan Mahavir made efforts to resolve many social ills and reform the society. He brought about social progress on issues such as slavery equality of status to women, and social equality.

Eminent Jainacharya and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni said that Bhagwan Mahavir was the pioneer of spiritual and social revolution. Raising his voice against racial obsession and communal fanaticism he gave importance to human unity. Greatness in human being comes because of their deeds virtues and not by birth. Acharya Lokesh Muni said that Bhagwan Mahavir’s principle of Unity in Diversity is the base for global unity. According to Bhagwan Mahavir philosophy both non-availability and excess availability are dangerous. Source: AhimsaVishwa Bharti, E-Mail: acharya(at)ahimsavishwabharti.org

Jain Shravakas and Shravakis sang the hymns and celebrated the festival.

All Karnataka Jain Sangh President B Muniraj Jain presided over the programme. Akshay Kumar Jain, organizer of Namostu Shasan Jain Pathshala gave a sermon explaining how the soul of Mahaveer converted into various shapes before finally going to heaven and called on the gathering to follow the teachings of Mahaveer in ourlives. The world can survive only with devotion of the almighty. There is turbulence in the lives of people due to lack of values.

We can have a life of prosperity and peace if we follow the life of Mahaveer, he said. The life of Mahaveer should not only be in thoughts but in deeds also. His life is an example not only for Jains but for the entire world.

TAMIL JAINS CELEBRATE MAHAVIR JAYANTI AT SITHAMOOR JAIN TEMPLE

April 13, Sithamoor, 139 km south-east of Chennai is home for the community of Tamil Jains or Samanars. On Mahavir Jayanthi, Mel Sithamoor comes alive with festoons, decorative lights, saffron-robed monks, men in sparkling white dhotis and women swishing in silk saris. This year’s celebration marks the 2,612th birthday of Vardhaman Mahavira, the last Tirthankar. Rajalakshmi, a schoolgirl in her teens, has come from Chennai ahead of the festival, which she has not missed since she was a child.

On Mahavir Jayanti, temple brings out a chariot carrying a Tirthankar idol which is decorated with miniature elephants, horses and floral motifs. More than a hundred people push the chariot around the village, going from door to door and each household performs a puja. On the last day of the 10-day celebration, 1008 pots of consecrated water are poured over the silver and panchaloha idols just outside the temple. The Tamil Jains are a small community, scattered in north Tamil Nadu. Tamil Jains once lived in 122 villages, but most of them have migrated to other places. Literary, epigraphic and archaeological sources point that during 1 millennium AD, Jainism was a popular religion throughout India, even Tamil Nadu. It had a large following and often enjoyed political support. Mel Sithamoor that houses the Matha, itself has a very small Jain population. The head of the Matha is unanimously selected from within the laity. The one chosen is not an ascetic but, during his tenure as the matha head, takes a vow of celibacy, lives alone and is conferred the title, Swamiji. The matha hopes to bind the Tamil Jains together, as it does during important festivals.

There are no boards to direct you to Sithamoor or the Jina Kanchi Jain Matha. All year round the village, with just 35 houses lining an old temple complex, is silent and empty. The doors of the houses, shut to keep away the fierce summer heat, bear the Jain insignia (a crescent, three dots and the swastika) painted on the doors. The gopuram, vimanam and the temple compound loom large all of a sudden. There are six temples within the complex. The main shrine is dedicated to Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar, with the smaller shrines for the yakshas and yakshis (worshippers and protectors of the Tirthankars). Several inscriptions inside the temple complex record the additions and alterations made to the temple 19 centuries ago. Next to the temple complex is the one-storey Jina Kanchi Jain Matha, which was shifted here from Kanchipuram a few decades ago, and which maintains the temple. It is, in fact, the figurative overseer of all Tamil Jain temples and institutions in Tamil Nadu.

JAIN SAINTS

ISSUE OF 5 COINS TO COMMEMORATE"ACHARYA TULSI BIRTH CENTENARY"

The Government of India has minted the above mentioned coins which the Reserve Bank of India will shortly put into circulation. Details regarding design, shape, etc. of these coins have been notified in the Gazette of the Government of India, dated December 18, 2013 published by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs - The Gazette of India-Extraordinary-Part II-Section 3-Sub-section (i)-Issue No.606 (annexed) These coins are legal tender as provided in The Coinage Act 2011. Source: RBI Press Release, Dated April, 04, 2014

The family discussed various issues for more than an hour with Sadhviji and express their devotion in Jain Philosophy. The family also paid tributes to Acharya Tulsi after visiting "Shaktipeeth". She was highly impressed with life style and daily rituals performed by Jain saints.

Kanakprabhaji brief the group about the life of Bhagwan Mahavir and his contribution to modern system. She also explained how Terapanth Sect of Jains functions under the leadership of present Acharya Mahasharamanji. Mrs. Ambani was fascinated to know how sadhvis conduct their life with extreme self control, sacrificeand daily meditation. She was amazed toknow Sadhviji joined the saint group at the age of 15, accepted the Initiation at 19 and became chief Sadhvi at 30. She is an expert in the field of languages i.e. Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit and English. Mrs. Ambani wanted to see the kithcen where Sadhviji cooks her meal. She was informed that, all sadhvis haveto move house to house on daily basis to collect her food in special wooden bowls. They can not accept any special food items particularly cooked for them. Tina Ambani also introduced her six sister, Bhavna, Pragya, Kshama and others, Mrs. Ambani informed that her father was greatly influenced by Jain philosophy and this reflects in her and her sisters names. Even her two sisters are married in Jain families. Her nani's was from a dedicated Jain family.

NEWS ABOUT JAIN TEMPLES

NEW JAIN TEMPLE AT BADEGAON " TRILOK TEERTH" WILL BE THE NINTH WONDEROF THE WORLD

With the Prerna of Aacharyashri Vidyabhushan Sanmati Sagar Ji Maharaj Trilok Teerth will become a wonder in Jain Pilgrimages. It will increase the prosperity of syadwad Jain Siddhant till ages. Trilok Teerth will have full depiction of Madhya lok, Adholok & Urdhavlok.

The result of bad karmas of people will be depicted and explained here. People Involved in good karmas such as Anuvrat, Mahavrat, Karuna, Vatsalya, Satya, Ahinsa, Daan etc. will enjoy pleasure in the heaven this scene will also be depicted here on Trishnali. There will be Gyan Kendra, Research Center, Dhyan Kendra, Dhai Dveep Sambandhi 170 Chaitalya, Nandeeshwar Dveep, Sammed Shikhar, Girnar, Champapur, Pavapur, Kailash Paravat, Meru Mandir, Samosharan along with parshvanath, Neminath and Muni Suvratnath temples. There will be Sahastrakut mandir, Navgrah Shanti Jin Mandir, Adinath, Bharat Bahubali, Mandir Shantinath,Kunthunath Arahanath and Mahavir Bhagwan Mandir. Apart from this there are 5 pandav mandir,Shri Ram Luv Kush Mandir. On the top of the Trilok Teerth ie. the Siddhshila there is 31 feet tall shri Adinath Bhagwan idol in padmasan mudra which is made of Astdhatu. Trilok teerth dham is 317 feet in height out of which 100 feet is below the ground and 217 feet above the ground. It is a 17 storey building and there are two lifts for the visitors.

Trilok Teerth - On the path of Completion -: According to the wishes of Pansham Pattacharya Shri Vidyabhushan Sanmati Sagar Ji Maharaj,Shri Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj was crowned with Sastam Pattacharya & under the guidelines of Shri Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj the work in Trilok Teerth Dham is Progreesing very fast. The RCC Work of the Trilok Teerth has been completed. The stone carvation work is going on in which hundreds of skilled craftsmen are working day and night. There is a Possibility of Panchkalyanak of Trilok Teerth Dham in Febrauary 2015.

How to Reach - The nearest Delhi Airport is at a distance of 60 Kms. Badegaon is also liked by Rail services and the nearest station is “Khekra” on Delhi Saharapur Route. The teerth is about six kms from this Railway station. Free Mandir buses are available to ferry visitors. One can also travel by road from Delhi to reach Badegaon which is about 60 Kms. The nearest major town is Saharanpur. Source: Mr. Shyam Lal Jain (Trilok Teerth Dham, Badegaon). Tel: 9891627006, E-Mail: sanefashions(at)gmail.com

JAIN COMMUNITY MEMBERS STAGE DEMONSTRATION IN PROTEST AT UJJAIN AGAINST TEMPLE THEFT

April 23, 2014 Ujjain: After the ‘ Ashtadhatu’ idols of Lord Mahavir and other deities were stolen away from Digamber Jain Temple at Laxmi Nagar, Jain community members staged a massive demonstration at Tower Chowk. Agitated people block the road at Freeganj over bridge causing inconvenience to commuters.

The community alleged that there could be a possible conspiracy behind the theft and declared a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone leaking information which might lead to the recovery of the idols and other accessories. The members strongly condemned the theft and demanded police to tighten the security at temples demanding quick recovery of the idols.

People from Jain community gathered around Tower Chowk to raise a protest, and demanded strict action regarding the theft. Community women were wearing black outfits and led a road blockade on major connecting roads around the square. They also showed bangles to city SP Anurag when he reached the spot over which he was irked and left the scene. The community under the banner Samajik Sansad Digambar Jain Samaj presented a memorandum addressing to Governor Ramnaresh adav before SP Anurag, in the presence of president Jain community members staging dharna in protest against the theft in temple in Ujjain. Meanwhile working on the case Madhav Nagar police arrested a suspect and a name of old timer has surfaced into the case during the observation of CCTV footages.

NEW BOOKS

Mr. Rakesh Agarwal IRS has presented the glory of Atishay Kshetra Shir Mahaveerji through anexemplary collection of information and photographs. The contents of the book are inspiring and present information in attractively both in Hindi and English together. "Atishay Kshetra Mahaveerji" is a book dedicated to Lord Mahavira the 24th Tirthankar of Jains, The emergence of the 11th century red- coral stone idol of Lord Mahavira and miracles associatedwith it have made it one of the most revered and popular places of pilgrimage for Digamber Jains in Northern India. The book vividly illustrates thehistory of this Atishay Kshetra from the emergence of the 11th century idol and subsequent construction of the main temple and other shrines in the complex.

It also briefly touches upon the basic philosophy of Jainism and some important incidents associated with the life of Lord Mahavira. It is an honest endeavor to pictorially capture for posterity the significance of this Atishay Kshetraand enable a glimpse of this venerable pilgrimage site to all the devout Digambner Jains. It aims to propagate the message of Lord Mahavira and the religious significance of this Atishay Kshetra far and wide so that more and more people in the country and overseas may benefit from it.

Author Mr. Rakesh Agarwal can be contacted at E-Mail: rakesh_c_ex(at)yahoo.com as the book is not available on book stalls.

HONOUR & AWARDS

JUSTICE RAJENDRA MAL LODHA APPOINTED AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA

"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Shri Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from April 27, 2014," a Law Ministry statement said in Delhi.

Justice Lodha (64) is the senior-most judge of the apex court after CJI P Sathasivam. He will have a brief tenure of five months as the Chief Justice as he is scheduled to retire on September 27, this year. Justice Lodha's name was recommended as the next CJI by Justice Sathasivam.

As per the Memorandum of Procedure which governs the appointment of members of the higher judiciary, appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office. It stipulates that the Law Minister would, at the appropriate time, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of the next CJI. Under this process, after receipt of the recommendation of the CJI, the Law Minister puts it up to the Prime Minister who advises the President in the matter of appointment.

Born in Jodhpur, Justice Lodha enrolled with Bar Council of Rajasthan in February 1973. He practiced Law in the Rajasthan High Court and dealt with all branches of law - constitutional, civil, company, criminal, taxation and labour.

ARTICLE OF THE MONTH

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE JAINS TO THE WORLD - BY PIERRE AMIEL, NIECE, FRANCE.

The Jains in India and abroad may be proud of their contributions in many different domains, including religion, history, philosophy, literature, arts, science, technology, etc. A full examination of these contributions would require an encyclopaedia; in this essay, I will examine here only some of the most important contributions.

Contributions of the Tīrthankaras - Jainism, the religion of the Jains, is considered as one of the oldest of India. The Jains say that it has existed from eternity, as has the world, and that it has no beginning and no possible end. They worship and follow the teachings of 24 Prophets or Tīrthankaras (ford-makers), who appear in India during each cycle of time to recall the great principles of living on the earth. The most revered Tīrthankaras of the present cycle are: Rishabha, also called Ādināth (first Lord), who appeared many centuries ago during the prehistoric era, Pārshvanāth who lived from 877 to 777 BCE, and Vardhamāna, who is referred to as Mahāvīra (the great hero) and who lived from 599 to 527 BCE. All of the Tīrthakaras observed a life of total non-violence, of detachment, meditation and austerities. As a result, they attained omniscience (kevala jñāna), became Tīrthankaras and taught humans how to obtain the liberation (moksha) of their souls from the cycle of transmigrations (samsāra) and to enjoy eternal bliss in the abode of pure souls (siddha loka) above the universe.

Rishabha, the first Tīrthankara of this time cycle, was a great Emperor of India who abandoned his prestigious position state to become a naked wandering ascetic (nirgrantha). After having obtained omniscience he taught the Jain principles to the people and attracted numerous disciples. Āchārya Bhadrabāhu reports in the “Kalpa Sūtra”2 that the venerable ascetic (arhat) Rishabha had an excellent community of 84,000 monks, 300,000 nuns, 305.000 male lay votaries, 505,400 female lay votaries and many sages, kevalins, professors and disciples.3 Jain tradition asserts that he was the harbinger of human civilization by inaugurating the age of action (karma-bhūmi). He founded the social institutions of marriage, family, law, justice, state, etc. He taught mankind the cultivation of land, different arts and crafts, reading, writing, calculation, etc. He built villages, towns, cities and provided a new kind of social order to increase the welfare of living beings. Rishabha abdicated his throne in favor of Bhārata, his eldest son, and the new Emperor gave his name to India as “Bhārata-varsha” or country of Bhārata.1 So we see already major contributions by two great Jain Emperors of India.

Pārshvanāth and Mahāvīra, the other two Tīrthankaras mentioned above, also made important contributions on matters of religion, ethics, science and many other areas of knowledge. Their oral teachings have been written in numerous sacred texts by great Jain Āchāryas of both Shvetāmbara and Digambara sects. So we find in the Jain canons and their numerous commentaries the rich contributions of these two last Prophets of the present cycle of time. They taught above all humans the path of liberation (moksha) of their souls by practicing the “three jewels” (tri-ratna) of right vision, right knowledge and right conduct. Such path is based on vows of non-violence (ahimsā), truthfulness (satya), honesty (asteya) chastity (brahmacharya), non-attachment to worldly possessions (aparigraha), and on the practice of numerous virtues (dharmas) and austerities (tapas). I will not discuss in detail the rules prescribed for the ascetics and for the laity that are the fundamentals of Jainism. I cite them here only to illustrate their major contribution to lea a moral life on the earth......Click here to read further........

JAIN DIKSHA NEWS

MISCELLANEOUS

EX. BUREAUCRAT P. C. PARAKH (JAIN) SHAKES THE SYSTEM BY HIS BOOK CRUSADER OR CONSPIRATOR

P. C. Parakh a seasoned bureaucrat who worked in power corridors has come out with sensational details about the governance and policy decisions. Now retired after a long stint of service with Government of IndiaMr. P. C. Parakh was at the helm of affairs in as theMinistry dealing with controversial Coal allotments etc.

He has reputation for integrity and ability and he worked with several governments. His book is a mirror to the civil service, which is the core governance tool available in India. It is an account ofhow big names operate in the country. Thedetailed description is inspiring. A lot of conversation details in the book are astonishing. Description about the consistent maneuveringof rules and regulation is awful. The author does not use any adjectives. He simply tells his story. It therefore easy to run through.Part I of the book, which is essentially a memoir, deals with Parakh’s stint in Andhra Pradesh where his career began. They offer deep insights into what happens with IAS officers when they enter the civil service. Part II is where the mainstream media is digging for headlines. It deals with Parakh’s stint in the coal ministry. He starts with a delightful chapter on what Mamata Banerjee did. He ends with the crux of the infamous coal scam, known as Coalgate. Part III is where Parakh has solutions. They are simple and doable. They make you wonder why we don’t already employ what Parakh talks of. For instance, many nations have a code of conduct for politicians but India doesn’t. Parakh has offered the proceeds from the book sales to Transparency International, a non-profit organisation that works to end corruption in public space, and an Indian NGO that works for children. Book: Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths, Author: PC Parakh, Price: Rs.595, Pages: 192, Publisher: Manas Publications, Delhi.

About the Author: -Until the publication of book peopleknew Prakash Chandra Parakh, 68, as the patron of Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti, an NGO that helps physically challenged people by providing Jaipur Foot and prosthetic limbs, and as the head of Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation (BJMRF) which recently started 24-hour dialysis services for needy patients at subsidised rates. Retired eight years ago, PC Parakh has been leading a quiet and peaceful life in this neighbourhood but has involved himself in voluntary work with the two NGOs. He has played a key role in Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation (BJMRF) which has set up state-of-the-art dialysis machines and ultra modern dialysis stations at three places with 62 machines in the city for the poor and needy. It was also due to Parakh's efforts that funds were raised and one dialysis centre with equipment worth Rs 2.5 crore was opened in the first week of centre at the Mahavir Hospital and Cancer Research Centre where dialysis is provided at just Rs 400 against the prevailing Rs 2,000 in any other hospital. Hailing from Rajasthan, Parakh started off as a mining geologist in NMDC and Hindustan Mining Corporation before he joined the IAS in 1969. An MSc from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), he was allotted the Andhra Pradesh cadre and served as district collector of Kurnool, Adilabad and later as commissioner of what was formerly known as Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. His first Central deputation was from 1983 to 1988 when he was special secretary in the petroleum ministry. In 2002-03 he was the chief commissioner of land administration in Andhra Pradesh, a post equal to chief secretary. He was coal secretary from March 2004 to December 2005 until his retirement.

SHREE CHANDRAPRABHU JAIN COLLEGE OFFERS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO NEEDY JAIN STUDENTS

This institution is managed by Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Educational Foundation and recognised as Minority Institution.

About the College - The Philanthropic Jain Community of Chennai, with a strong sense of social responsibility and a passion for services have set up the Shree Chandraprabhu Jain College in Minjur in 1997, the Golden Jubilee year of India's Independence with guiding principle of Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Vegetarianism. The Management believes that right knowledge is a basic requirement form the pursuit of spiritual aims, righteous conduct, integration of creed, word and deed and the ultimate emancipation of the soul from the mundane world are also the essential goals for all human beings. Besides, we also believe that learning should be a pleasant experience. The College is being managed as a Jain Minority Institution within the meaning of Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian constitution.

The College, established by Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Educational foundation is affiliated to the University of Madras. The College started functioning from Vijayadasami Day on 11.10.1997 exclusively for male students. From 2002-2003, it has become co-educational and is admitting women students also. The total student strength now exceeds 1300. The college is now offering 10 UG courses, 2 PG courses and PG Diplomo in Jainology. New courses namely B. A. (Corp. Economics) and B.Sc (Electronics & Communication Science) were instituted, effective from 2010-11. Contact for further details. Source: Rajendra Prasad P. E-Mail: prprasad65(at)gmail.com

INDIAN DOCTOR PAWAN KUMAR JAIN INDICTED IN US BY FEDERAL JURY ON 111 CRIMINAL COUNTS

April 22, 2014,Washington: Indian American neurologist Pawan Kumar Jain has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 111 criminal counts, under allegations that his mid-prescribing of certain medications may have led to two deaths.

The indictment came on April 17, and Jain (61) made his first appearance in federal court the following day in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Jain’s indictment includes 61 counts of “unlawfully dispensing controlled substances,” and 50 counts of healthcare fraud. The indictment comes just over a year after the New Mexico Medical Board revoked Jain’s medical license, after concerns arose that his prescriptions may have led to a separate 17 deaths. Prior to that, his license had been suspended in June of 2012, pending a further investigation, before being completely revoked. According to the US Attorney’s Office, between April 2009 and June 2010, Jain distributed painkillers such as oxycodone and methadone, to people who were not patients of his medical clinic. Because they are controlled substances, they cannot be given to anyone who does not have a legitimate medical need for them, thus making the action illegal. For each of the 61 counts of dispensing these drugs, Jain faces 20 years behind bars and a $1 million fine.

Additionally, Jain would bill federal healthcare programs Medicare and Medicaid for reimbursement, saying that he was giving the aforementioned drugs to patients, when he was actually giving them to people who had no association with his clinic. While the Justice Department has not said how much money Jain received in illicit reimbursements, each of his 50 counts for healthcare fraud carry with them four years in jail, and $250,000 in fines. However, four of the counts in the 111-count indictment say that Jain’s distribution of controlled substances led to the deaths of two people, identified only as M.E.B. and N.D., their initials. The first two of the four counts say that Jain gave M.E.B. 540 40 mg oxycodone tablets, and 405 10 mg methadone tablets in 2009, which ultimately killed them. The specifics of N. D.’s drugs were not disclosed, but Jain is being held accountable. Pawan Kumar was nabbed through a combined effort by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the New Mexico Medical Board, and the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.

MEMBERS OF JAIN SAMAJ MANCHESTER DONATE £15,000 TO TWO CHARITIES

Honourable Lord mayor of Manchester Councillor Naeem U. Hassan presented cheques worth £15,000 from funds raised by the members of Jain Samaj Manchester to the representatives of nominated charities. The Jain samaj is a registered charity based in Stockport and has played an important role to promote culture and values in the United Kingdom. 2013 was the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Jain Samaj Manchester (JSM) temple and community centre. As part of numerous celebratory events throughout the year, members were encouraged to raise money for JSM’s two nominated charities: St Ann’s Hospice (a local Manchester-based hospice caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses) and the National Kidney Foundation (a national organisation supporting kidney patients).

Over the past year JSM members have been involved in a number of exciting and innovative fundraising events, ranging from lighting candles as a remembrance for past members, to physical activities like the 10km Midnight walk and 10km run. Each of these events, however big or small, have all been crucial in helping JSM to raise much needed funds for the largest hospice in Greater Manchester and for National Kidney Federation.

Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Naeem ul Hassan said: “It was an honour to present these cheques on behalf of Jain Samaj Manchester. I’d like to commend all members of Jain Samaj Manchester for their hard work in raising this money and I am certain their contribution will help the lives of people in Manchester and across the country” Alison Gilbody, Director of Income Generation & Communications of St Anns Hospice said, “we’re enormously grateful for all the hard work of Jain Samaj Manchester in fundraising for us. It’s a fantastic amount and equates roughly to just over a day’s running costs of our Heald Green hospice”.